Brighton, Tunbridge Wells - or somewhere else...?

[abbey44]

I'm going to be starting my house search properly soon (fingers crossed!) and I've narrowed the areas of interest down to Brighton and Tunbridge Wells, but if anyone has any other ideas, knowing other areas, I'd really welcome some input.

I'm early 60s, reasonably active, and having lived rurally for the last few years, I'm looking to be somewhere a bit more in the middle of things. I'm single, and probably likely to stay that way now, so want to be in a place where there's lots going on, and not where you need to be coupled up, if you know what I mean. Arty things (I paint for a living), cafe things, Waitrose-convenient, ideally...market town sort of feel. I know and like both Brighton and TW, and have lived in both at times, so that's why I've gravitated towards those towns. Being by the sea is a bonus. I'm not looking for massive as there's just me, but I have a dog, so need to think about having somewhere to walk her. And I need to be on a main line from London too.

So...any ideas for places you think I might have a look at...? Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Lewes would fit perfectly- not as full on as Brighton but very arty with loads going on. On the South Downs for walks, mainline into Victoria, 7 miles from Brighton. Large Waitrose, Tesco and Lidl. A theatre, lots of nice cafes, restaurants and pubs and a great cinema/arts complex - the Depot.

Folkestone also worth a look as is Deal.

Ooh, thanks - I know Lewes a bit, and yes the area round there is lovely. Don't know Folkestone, but I'm off for a little trawl round rightmove on both of those suggestions. Thanks again 🙂

We live in Folkestone (and know TW. v well) and it would suit your brief perfectly. It’s beautiful and lots going on. There is a Folkestone Ladies online thing with thousands of single female retirees with lots of energy 😁 and they are forever having meet ups and undertaking projects together. They even have some sort of mentor scheme I beleive if that’s your thing. But even if it is, it is a beautiful and vibrant place to live in. We love it! Deal is nice, but I think the demograph and pace of life is a little more mature and slower.

Very different vibes though. I would say go for Brighton (or nearby villages) if you want something relaxed and bohemian by the sea. TW is much more conservative although very nice too.

If you are an artist Brighton if you can afford it sounds like the best bet. Also Whistable or Deal.

If you don't mind somewhere a bit more up and coming Folkstone, Margate/Ramsgate/Broadstairs, Hastings/St Leonard have a lot of artists moving in for cheaper studio spaces and accommodation. But they are still a bit rough around the edges in places!

If you had posted this 2 weeks ago I would have sent you a link to my neighbours house which was for sale, but has just been bought by a couple in their 60s who are downsizing! Look at Forest Row. It's a large village with lots going on and an arty and alternative feel, a variety of local shops and businesses, near to East Grinstead for trains to London, mid-way between TW and Crawley for larger shops and on the edge of two golf courses and Ashdown Forest which are great for dog walking.

Many of the houses round here are huge but there are always a few smaller ones on the market.

I don't think there is a Waitrose in TW, although there is one in Tonbridge?

Oh I just saw you paint for a living...Folkestone has tonnes of arts festivals with the main one being the Triennial. It’s wonderful and lots of world famous artists have pieces here as a result as part of a large outdoor trail around town (Anthony Gormley, Tracey Emin and Yoko Ono are probably the most household names I can think of off the top of my head but there are scores of interesting works to seek out). Plus we have the creative quarter has heavily subsidised studios and shop space for artists so you could even exhibit if you choose. Oh and we have a Waitrose further along the sea (five mins) at Hythe 😁 best gamble we ever took was leaving London for here!

www.creativefolkestone.org.uk/folkestone-triennial/

@Tanaqui

I don't think there is a Waitrose in TW, although there is one in Tonbridge?

There is one in Crowborough and one in East Grinstead.

Thank you for all these suggestions - Folkestone seems to be getting a lot of thumbs up. Definitely worth a look then.

squashyhat I know Forest Row well - I lived in Chelwood Gate for a while - and in fact there is a house there that I have on my favourites list in rightmove so you're definitely on the same wavelength 😀

If you do look at Folkestone on Rightmove a general rule of thumb is the further West you go the ‘naicer’ it is. The East Cliff side is very edgy and actually pretty popular with artsy types, but personally if you are looking for somewhere a bit Tunbridge Wells-y I don’t think you’ll find what you’re after on that side of town...

How often do you need the train? For Brighton you are paying a premium for commuter access to the city but if you looked at Steyning or henfield you could find something quite pretty. I’ve also heard Bexhill is becoming more desirable and a good arts scene

Lewes was also a good suggestion. This is cute Mount Street, Lewes, East Sussex
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-71848566.html

I'd also echo Lewes. Perfect for you, I'd say. A market town with LOTS of art, cafes and a Waitrose. You can get the bus or train to Brighton and a bus to TW but come home to a quieter town. Loads of walking routes including the Downs. For seaside, there's Brighton, Eastbourne, Seaford and Beachy Head all accessible by public transport.

Hi OP.

I made a move alone from Burwash, not too far from Tunbridge Wells to Brighton area.

I could have moved to TW as I lived close by for 11 years, it just didn't interest me. Full of yummy mummies and nothing terribly interesting going on.

I knew nobody in Brighton when I arrived. It is a very diverse community but there is so much going on here. I live in Rottingdean area by the beach. It's gorgeous and a 10 minute hop into town. There are lots of groups to join and I like to go into town for a wander in Lanes and then a lunch in lovely little restaurant.

Things are a little different now! But it's opening up again.

Just my few thoughts

Canterbury would also be a good shout. Great cultural scene and property is arguably cheaper than TW or Brighton. DH and I considered it but commute into London was too long to do daily - would be fine for a day out though.

Another vote for Lewes... it sits somewhere between TW (very yummy) and Brighton (very alternative)

Thank you for all the suggestions - you've given me quite a lot of food for thought. I'm busy going through Rightmove having a look at all the possibilities and having a lovely time. It's going to be a big step into the unknown for me, but I'm feeling excited for the future. I think the next stage is going to be a recce trip to have a look round a few of these places and see how they feel.